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Biomedical subjects

G L Griffith

Publications and source records attributed to G L Griffith.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1979

Umbilical anomalies.

During intrauterine development the primordia of the developing gastrointestinal and urinary tract come into close proximity in the umbilicus where the communication of these structures with the external environment is usually obliterated. In a small percentage of patients the omphalomesenteric duct and/or urachus may remain completely or partially patent. When complete patency is present, drainage of mucus, stool, or urine may occur. Partial patency may be manifest by an abdominal mass or by no symptoms at all. Definitive treatment includes total excision of the omphalomesenteric duct and/or urachus, lest recanalization of remnant tissue or carcinoma in later life occur.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1978

Acute traumatic hemothorax.

Over the past 5 years, 107 patients have been evaluated for acute traumatic hemothorax at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. Immediate tube thoracostomy was performed on 90 patients for evacuation of blood and air. Only 2 patients died. Thoracotomy was performed as part of the initial therapy in 9 patients. Thoracotomy for continued hemorrhage from a pulmonary parenchymal injury was required in 3 patients from the entire group. Thoracentesis or observation was the initial therapy for limited hemothorax in 8 stable patients. Three of these patients subsequently required tube thoracostomy 2 to 23 days following injury due to expanding effusions, and 1 patient required multiple thoracotomies for sepsis, fibrothorax, and empyema. These observations indicate that early evacuation of blood by means of a tube thoracostomy is essential to minimize morbidity in acute traumatic hemothorax. If continuing hemorrhage after tube thoracostomy occurs, there is a higher association of injury to additional vital structures.

Abdominal Injuries↗
PubMed1978

Massive skin necrosis in Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

The occurrence of massive skin necrosis of approximately 50% of the body surface area in an 8-year-old girl with Rocky Mountain spotted fever is reported. Although the surgeon will not often be confronted with the management of Rocky Mountain spotted fever or its complications, certain therapeutic corollaries can be outlined, based upon the observed similarity between this particular complication of severe skin loss and the syndrome of purpura fulminans: (1) heparinization for the consumptive coagulopathy and disseminated intravascular clotting; (2) correction of hypovolemia and hypoproteinemia; (3) decompression by escharotomy and/or fasciotomy if indicated; (4) topical chemotherapeutic coverage of necrotic skin; (5) full-thickness eschar excision combined with biologic dressings directed toward autograft wound closure; and (6) appropriate extremity splinting and physiotherapy.

Child↗
PubMed1977

Septic pulmonary embolization.

Septic pulmonary embolization occurs when an infected thrombus lodges in the pulmonary arterial tree. Pulmonary abscess, empyema, bronchopleural fistula, shock and death may follow. During the preantibiotic era, septic pulmonary embolization was a dread complication of septic thrombophlebitis occurring in the pelvis and after infections of the head and neck. More recently, the multiplicity of long term indwelling catheters has changed the epidemiologic aspect of this disease, pointing toward iatrogenic causes in many instances. The drug addict, however, remains the person at greatest risk of having septic pulmonary embolization develop. A clinical evaluation seeking drug abuse and related stigmata is extremely helpful in suggesting the proper cause, establishing the presence of right-sided endocarditis and directing appropriate therapy. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common offending organism in all patient populations except for the patient with thermal injury in which gram-negative organisms predominate. Early diagnosis and proper therapy, which includes high doses of parenteral antibiotics and control of the inciting septic focus in all instances, are prerequisites for a favorable outcome.

Animals↗